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“HONORING THE LIFE OF ALFRED JACKSON ``A.J.'' POWELL” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1319 on Oct. 21, 2019.
The State Department is responsibly for international relations with a budget of more than $50 billion. Tenure at the State Dept. is increasingly tenuous and it's seen as an extension of the President's will, ambitions and flaws.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF ALFRED JACKSON ``A.J.'' POWELL
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HON. DOUG COLLINS
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Monday, October 21, 2019
Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of Alfred Jackson ``A.J.'' Powell.
A.J., as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was a longtime resident of Quitman, Georgia. He graduated from Dixie High School and went on to study at the University of Georgia, earning a degree in Agriculture. Upon graduation, A.J. enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he served our country honorably as a meteorologist and Ordinance Officer, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain.
A.J. had a broad and meaningful impact on his community in Quitman, Georgia. After returning from military service, he paired his love for agriculture with his experience in the Army to serve veterans in his community. He organized the first Veterans' Farm Training program in the county, serving as an agriculture teacher for groups of veterans, and later was promoted by the State Department of Education to Supervisor for the Veterans Agriculture Program for all the counties in South Georgia.
After leaving the Department of Education, A.J. opened Powell's Farm Supply, becoming a leading innovator in agricultural infrared photography and liquid fertilizer products. He raised beef cattle on his farm, Crooked Creek, and was actively involved in the agriculture community, assuming roles ranging from President of the Georgia Seedsmen's Association to President of the Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout his life, A.J. served his community in a variety of capacities. Among his greatest joys was serving in his church, Quitman First Baptist Church, where he was an active member, serving many roles, including as a Sunday school teacher and the Chairman of Deacons. First and foremost, A.J. was a man of integrity who was well known for his faith in Jesus and his love for others. He lived out Joshua 24: 15, ``. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.''
A.J. will be forever remembered as a man of faith, diligence, and integrity. Most importantly, he will be remembered as a loyal and faithful husband to his beloved wife, Mary; father to his three children, Beth, Jay and Lisa; grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. A.J. will be dearly missed, but his legacy will be felt for generations to come. On behalf of the people of Georgia, I hope you will join me in celebrating his wonderful life.
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